Flood prevention steps can save your life and property

If you live, work or own property in an area at risk of flooding, take a few steps now that will reduce later your risk of death, health threats and property damage from flooding - whether you're a homeowner, farmer, business, dam owner or local government official.

Buy flood insurance

Buying flood insurance is a good idea even if you live in a low- to moderate-risk area. Flood damage is not typically covered by a homeowner's insurance policies, federal disaster assistance isn't guaranteed, and even low risk areas suffer flooding if melting snow and rain collects rapidly, if there are poor drainage systems or if water mains break. Insurance policies in low risk areas can start as low as $100.

Follow health and safety advice

Learn about the emergency supplies you'll need in case of flooding, how to identify potential home hazards to avoid and the flood evacuation route and other steps you'll want to take to protect yourself if flooding occurs.

Prepare your farm to avoid manure runoff into streams

Flooding can increase the risk that manure will run off into streams, rivers, and groundwater, contaminating private drinking water wells and causing pollution and potentially fish kills. Take steps now to prevent spills or runoff when flooding occurs.

Post emergency contact phone numbers for law enforcement, local emergency government, the Statewide Warning Center (800-943-0003), dam operators and their backup and the DNR dam safety engineer for your county.

Coordinate dam operation with upstream and downstream dam owners.
Confirm there is a contingency plan (back operations and emergency operations) procedures in place.

Monitor ice flow and water levels early.

Operate the dam in a timely manner to reduce risk gate failure and/or damage. Refer to dam safety and floodplain zoning maps for an estimate of lands that might be flooded if you don't have a dam failure analysis map.